U.S. patent application number 15/728013 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-11 for vehicle lamp assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Paul Kenneth Dellock, Keith Hoelscher, Stuart C. Salter, Ulrich Stuhec.
Application Number | 20190106058 15/728013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64334718 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190106058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salter; Stuart C. ; et
al. |
April 11, 2019 |
VEHICLE LAMP ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A vehicle mirror assembly is provided herein. The vehicle mirror
assembly includes a housing operable between a deployed position
and a folded position. A lamp assembly is coupled to the housing
and has a first light source configured to direct light rearwardly
of the housing and a second light source configured to direct light
forwardly of the housing. The housing is configured to move from
the deployed position to the folded position when an object is
detected.
Inventors: |
Salter; Stuart C.; (White
Lake, MI) ; Dellock; Paul Kenneth; (Northville,
MI) ; Stuhec; Ulrich; (Ann Arbor, MI) ;
Hoelscher; Keith; (Northville, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
|
Family ID: |
64334718 |
Appl. No.: |
15/728013 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 1/074 20130101;
B60Q 1/32 20130101; B60Q 1/24 20130101; B60Q 1/00 20130101; B60Q
1/0076 20130101; B60Q 2900/30 20130101; B60R 1/062 20130101; B60Q
1/2665 20130101; B60R 1/1207 20130101; B60R 1/12 20130101; B60Q
1/2607 20130101; B60Q 2400/40 20130101; B60Q 1/323 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 1/12 20060101
B60R001/12; B60R 1/062 20060101 B60R001/062; B60Q 1/26 20060101
B60Q001/26; B60Q 1/00 20060101 B60Q001/00; B60Q 1/32 20060101
B60Q001/32 |
Claims
1. A vehicle mirror assembly, comprising: a housing operable
between a deployed position and a folded position; and a lamp
assembly having a first light source configured to direct light
rearwardly of the housing and a second light source configured to
direct light forwardly of the housing, wherein the housing is
configured to move from the deployed position to the folded
position when an object is detected.
2. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the object is
detected by an exterior sensor disposed on a vehicle.
3. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the object is
detected by a camera disposed on a vehicle.
4. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
first reflector operably coupled with the first light source and a
second reflector operably coupled with the second light source.
5. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
third light source configured to emit light towards a ground
surface proximate a vehicle.
6. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 5, wherein the side mirror
housing is moved from the deployed position to the folded position
when a vehicle moves below a predefined speed.
7. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 5, wherein the first and
second light sources emit light forwardly and rearwardly of the
housing when the housing is in the folded position and the deployed
position.
8. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
light sensor disposed on a vehicle and configured to detect an
ambient light level, wherein the intensity of emitted light
emanated from the lamp assembly is varied based on the detected
light level.
9. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
luminescent structure disposed on a vehicle and excitable by
emitted light from the lamp assembly.
10. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 8, wherein the lamp
assembly includes a rear housing and a heatsink configured to
capture at least a portion of heat generated by the first or second
light source, the heatsink extending through the housing.
11. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 10, wherein the heat
transferred from the heatsink is configured to warm a mirror within
the housing.
12. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 11, wherein emitted light
from the first or second light source is directed in two opposing
directions when the housing is disposed in the folded position.
13. A vehicle mirror assembly, comprising: a housing operable
between a deployed position and a folded position; and a lamp
assembly having a light source configured to direct light forwardly
and rearwardly of the housing when the housing is in the deployed
and folded positions.
14. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 13, further comprising: an
exterior sensor disposed on a vehicle and configured to detect an
object proximate the vehicle, wherein the housing moves from the
deployed to the folded position when the object is detected and the
vehicle is moving below a predefined speed.
15. The vehicle mirror assembly of claim 13, further comprising: a
camera disposed on a vehicle and configured to detect an object
proximate the vehicle, wherein the housing moves from the deployed
to the folded position when the object is detected and the vehicle
is moving below a predefined speed.
16. A lamp assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a printed circuit
board (PCB) attached to a rear housing; and a reflector and a lens
each operably coupled with a light source disposed on the PCB,
wherein the housing is moved between a first position and a second
position and the light source directs emitted light forwardly and
rearwardly of the rear housing in the first and the second
positions.
17. The lamp assembly for a vehicle of claim 16, wherein the rear
housing is coupled to a housing of a vehicle mirror assembly.
18. The lamp assembly for a vehicle of claim 17, wherein the
housing of the vehicle mirror assembly moves between the first
position and the second position.
19. The lamp assembly for a vehicle of claim 16, further
comprising: a heatsink disposed within the housing of the vehicle
mirror assembly and configured to capture at least a portion of
heat generated by the light source.
20. The lamp assembly for a vehicle of claim 18, wherein the
housing of the vehicle mirror assembly moves from the first
position to the second position when an object is proximate a
vehicle and the vehicle is moving below a predefined speed.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle lamps,
and more particularly, to vehicle lamps disposed around an exterior
of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Lamp assemblies are commonly employed in vehicles to provide
various lighting functions. For some vehicles, it may be desirable
to have a more efficient lamp assembly that may be capable of
providing additional illumination proximate the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle
mirror assembly is disclosed. The vehicle includes a housing
operable between a deployed position and a folded position. A lamp
assembly has a first light source configured to direct light
rearwardly of the housing and a second light source configured to
direct light forwardly of the housing. The housing is configured to
move from the deployed position to the folded position when an
object is detected.
[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle mirror assembly is provided herein. The vehicle mirror
assembly includes a housing operable between a deployed position
and a folded position. A lamp assembly has a light source
configured to direct light forwardly and rearwardly of the housing
when the housing is in the deployed and folded positions.
[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a
lamp assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The lamp assembly
includes a printed circuit board (PCB) attached to a rear housing.
A reflector is operably coupled with a light source disposed on the
PCB. A reflector and a lens are each operably coupled to a light
source disposed on the PCB. The housing is moved between a first
position and a second position and the light source directs emitted
light forwardly and rearwardly of the rear housing in the first and
the second positions.
[0006] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1A is a side view of a luminescent structure rendered
as a coating, according to some examples;
[0009] FIG. 1B is a top view of a luminescent structure rendered as
a discrete particle, according to some examples;
[0010] FIG. 1C is a side view of a plurality of luminescent
structures rendered as discrete particles and incorporated into a
separate structure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an automotive vehicle
employing a lamp assembly in an exterior mirror assembly of the
vehicle, according to some examples;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of section III of FIG. 2
illustrating the exterior mirror assembly with a plurality of light
sources disposed within the lamp assembly;
[0013] FIG. 4 is top perspective view of the vehicle employing the
lamp assembly, according to some examples;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the vehicle having a plurality
of exterior sensors and a pair of cameras, according to some
examples;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the lamp assembly,
according to some examples;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front exploded view of the lamp assembly,
according to some examples;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the vehicle with the
side mirror assembly in a deployed position;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the vehicle with the
side mirror assembly in a folded position, according to some
examples;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the vehicle with a
badge on the vehicle, according to some examples;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the vehicle with a
decal on the vehicle, according to some examples; and
[0021] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a controller operably
coupled to the lamp assembly, according to some examples.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES
[0022] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 2. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary examples of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the examples disclosed herein are not
to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0023] As required, detailed examples of the present invention are
disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the
disclosed examples are merely exemplary of the invention that may
be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not
necessarily to a detailed design and some schematics may be
exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis
for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
invention.
[0024] In this document, relational terms, such as first and
second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to
distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action,
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does not include only those elements but may include other elements
not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article,
or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises . . . a" does not,
without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional
identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus
that comprises the element.
[0025] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of
two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be
employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed
items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described
as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can
contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C
in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in
combination.
[0026] The following disclosure describes a lamp assembly that may
be integrated within a side mirror assembly of a vehicle. The lamp
assembly may provide illumination along the vehicle from the side
mirror assembly. One or more light sources within the lamp assembly
may illuminate in response to various inputs in a forwardly,
rearward, outwardly, and/or downwardly direction. The mirror
assembly may be moved between a deployed position (first position)
and a folded position (second position) in response to detection of
an object and/or person proximate the vehicle. The lamp assembly
may be operably coupled with one or more phosphorescent and/or
luminescent structures to luminesce in response to predefined
events. The one or more luminescent structures may be configured to
convert emitted light received from an associated light source and
re-emit the light at a different wavelength generally found in the
visible spectrum.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, various exemplary examples of
luminescent structures 10 are shown, each capable of being coupled
to a substrate 12, which may correspond to a vehicle fixture or
vehicle-related piece of equipment. In FIG. 1A, the luminescent
structure 10 is generally shown rendered as a coating (e.g., a
film) that may be applied to a surface of the substrate 12. In FIG.
1B, the luminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a discrete
particle capable of being integrated with a substrate 12. In FIG.
1C, the luminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a plurality
of discrete particles that may be incorporated into a support
medium 14 (e.g., a film) that may then be applied (as shown) or
integrated with the substrate 12.
[0028] At the most basic level, a given luminescent structure 10
includes an energy conversion layer 16 that may include one or more
sublayers, which are exemplarily shown in broken lines in FIGS. 1A
and 1B. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer 16 may include
one or more luminescent materials 18 having energy converting
elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. Each
luminescent material 18 may become excited upon receiving an
emitted light 24 of a specific wavelength, thereby causing the
light to undergo a conversion process. Under the principle of down
conversion, the emitted light 24 is converted into a
longer-wavelength, converted light 26 that is outputted from the
luminescent structure 10. Conversely, under the principle of up
conversion, the emitted light 24 is converted into a shorter
wavelength light that is outputted from the luminescent structure
10. When multiple distinct wavelengths of light are outputted from
the luminescent structure 10 at the same time, the wavelengths of
light may mix together and be expressed as a multicolor light.
[0029] The energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by dispersing
the luminescent material 18 in a polymer matrix to form a
homogenous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may
include preparing the energy conversion layer 16 from a formulation
in a liquid carrier support medium 14 and coating the energy
conversion layer 16 to a desired substrate 12. The energy
conversion layer 16 may be applied to a substrate 12 by painting,
screen-printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller
coating, and bar coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion
layer 16 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid
carrier support medium 14. For example, the energy conversion layer
16 may be rendered by dispersing the luminescent material 18 into a
solid-state solution (homogenous mixture in a dry state) that may
be incorporated in a polymer matrix, which may be formed by
extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring,
thermoforming, etc. The energy conversion layer 16 may then be
integrated into a substrate 12 using any methods known to those
skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 includes
sublayers, each sublayer may be sequentially coated to form the
energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the sublayers can be
separately prepared and later laminated or embossed together to
form the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively still, the
energy conversion layer 16 may be formed by coextruding the
sublayers.
[0030] In various examples, the converted light 26 that has been
down converted or up converted may be used to excite other
luminescent material(s) 18 found in the energy conversion layer 16.
The process of using the converted light 26 outputted from one
luminescent material 18 to excite another, and so on, is generally
known as an energy cascade and may serve as an alternative for
achieving various color expressions. With respect to either
conversion principle, the difference in wavelength between the
emitted light 24 and the converted light 26 is known as the Stokes
shift and serves as the principal driving mechanism for an energy
conversion process corresponding to a change in wavelength of
light. In the various examples discussed herein, each of the
luminescent structures 10 may operate under either conversion
principle.
[0031] Referring back to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the luminescent structure
10 may optionally include at least one stability layer 20 to
protect the luminescent material 18 contained within the energy
conversion layer 16 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The
stability layer 20 may be configured as a separate layer optically
coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer 16.
Alternatively, the stability layer 20 may be integrated with the
energy conversion layer 16. The luminescent structure 10 may also
optionally include a protective layer 22 optically coupled and
adhered to the stability layer 20 or other layer (e.g., the
conversion layer 16 in the absence of the stability layer 20) to
protect the luminescent structure 10 from physical and chemical
damage arising from environmental exposure. The stability layer 20
and/or the protective layer 22 may be combined with the energy
conversion layer 16 through sequential coating or printing of each
layer, sequential lamination or embossing, or any other suitable
means.
[0032] According to various examples, the luminescent material 18
may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes including
rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, and phthalocyanines. Additionally,
or alternatively, the luminescent material 18 may include phosphors
from the group of Ce-doped garnets such as YAG: Ce and may be a
short-persistence luminescent material 18. For example, an emission
by Ce.sup.3+ is based on an electronic energy transition from
4D.sup.1 to 4f.sup.4 as a parity allowed transition. As a result of
this, a difference in energy between the light absorption and the
light emission by Ce.sup.3+ is small, and the luminescent level of
Ce.sup.3+ has an ultra-short lifespan, or decay time, of 10.sup.-8
to 10.sup.-7 seconds (10 to 100 nanoseconds). The decay time may be
defined as the time between the end of excitation from the emitted
light 24 and the moment when the light intensity of the converted
light 26 emitted from the luminescent structure 10 drops below a
minimum visibility of 0.32 mcd/m.sup.2. A visibility of 0.32
mcd/m.sup.2 is roughly 100 times the sensitivity of the
dark-adapted human eye, which corresponds to a base level of
illumination commonly used by persons of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0033] According to various examples, a Ce.sup.3+ garnet may be
utilized, which has a peak excitation spectrum that may reside in a
shorter wavelength range than that of conventional YAG:Ce-type
phosphors. Accordingly, Ce.sup.3+ has short-persistence
characteristics such that its decay time may be 100 milliseconds or
less. Therefore, in various examples, the rare earth aluminum
garnet type Ce phosphor may serve as the luminescent material 18
with ultra-short-persistence characteristics, which can emit the
converted light 26 by absorbing purple to blue emitted light 24
emanated from one or more light sources 74 (FIG. 4). According to
various examples, a ZnS:Ag phosphor may be used to create a
blue-converted light 26. A ZnS:Cu phosphor may be utilized to
create a yellowish-green converted light 26. A Y.sub.2O.sub.2S:Eu
phosphor may be used to create red converted light 26. Moreover,
the aforementioned phosphorescent materials may be combined to form
a wide range of colors, including white light. It will be
understood that any short-persistence luminescent material 18 known
in the art may be utilized without departing from the teachings
provided herein.
[0034] Additionally, or alternatively, the luminescent material 18,
according to various examples, disposed within the luminescent
structure 10 may include a long-persistence luminescent material 18
that emits the converted light 26, once charged by the emitted
light 24. The emitted light 24 may be emitted from any excitation
source (e.g., any natural light source, such as the sun, and/or any
artificial light sources 74). The long-persistence luminescent
material 18 may be defined as having a long decay time due to its
ability to store the emitted light 24 and release the converted
light 26 gradually, for a period of several minutes or hours, once
the emitted light 24 is no longer present.
[0035] The long-persistence luminescent material 18, according to
various examples, may be operable to emit light at or above an
intensity of 0.32 mcd/m.sup.2 after a period of 10 minutes.
Additionally, the long-persistence luminescent material 18 may be
operable to emit light above or at an intensity of 0.32 mcd/m.sup.2
after a period of 30 minutes and, in various examples, for a period
substantially longer than 60 minutes (e.g., the period may extend
24 hours or longer, and in some instances, the period may extend 48
hours). Accordingly, the long-persistence luminescent material 18
may continually illuminate in response to excitation from any one
or more light sources 74 that emit the emitted light 24, including,
but not limited to, natural light sources (e.g., the sun) and/or
any artificial one or more light sources 74. The periodic
absorption of the emitted light 24 from any excitation source may
provide for a substantially sustained charge of the
long-persistence luminescent material 18 to provide for consistent
passive illumination. In various examples, a light sensor 82 (FIG.
4) may monitor the illumination intensity of the luminescent
structure 10 and actuate an excitation source when the illumination
intensity falls below 0.32 mcd/m.sup.2, or any other predefined
intensity level.
[0036] The long-persistence luminescent material 18 may correspond
to alkaline earth aluminates and silicates, for example, doped
di-silicates, or any other compound that is capable of emitting
light for a period of time once the emitted light 24 is no longer
present. The long-persistence luminescent material 18 may be doped
with one or more ions, which may correspond to rare earth elements,
for example, Eu2+, Tb3+, and/or Dy3. According to one non-limiting
exemplary example, the luminescent structure 10 includes a
phosphorescent material in the range of about 30% to about 55%, a
liquid carrier medium in the range of about 25% to about 55%, a
polymeric resin in the range of about 15% to about 35%, a
stabilizing additive in the range of about 0.25% to about 20%, and
performance-enhancing additives in the range of about 0% to about
5%, each based on the weight of the formulation.
[0037] The luminescent structure 10, according to various examples,
may be a translucent white color, and in some instances reflective,
when unilluminated. Once the luminescent structure 10 receives the
emitted light 24 of a particular wavelength, the luminescent
structure 10 may emit any color light (e.g., blue or red) therefrom
at any desired brightness. According to various examples, a blue
emitting phosphorescent material may have the structure
Li.sub.2ZnGeO.sub.4 and may be prepared by a high-temperature
solid-state reaction method or through any other practicable method
and/or process. The afterglow may last for a duration of 2-8 hours
and may originate from the emitted light 24 and d-d transitions of
Mn2+ ions.
[0038] According to an alternate non-limiting example, 100 parts of
a commercial solvent-borne polyurethane, such as Mace resin
107-268, having 50% solids polyurethane in toluene/isopropanol, 125
parts of a blue-green long-persistence phosphor, such as
Performance Indicator PI-BG20, and 12.5 parts of a dye solution
containing 0.1% Lumogen Yellow F083 in dioxolane may be blended to
yield a low rare earth mineral luminescent structure 10. It will be
understood that the compositions provided herein are non-limiting
examples. Thus, any phosphor known in the art may be utilized
within the luminescent structure 10 without departing from the
teachings provided herein. Moreover, it is contemplated that any
long-persistence phosphor known in the art may also be utilized
without departing from the teachings provided herein.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a vehicle is illustrated
according to some examples and is referenced generally by numeral
28. The vehicle 28 includes a vehicle body 30 with an exterior 32,
as depicted. A sideview mirror assembly 34 includes a housing 36
mounted to the vehicle body 30, for example, to a vehicle door 38.
The mirror assembly 34 includes a sideview mirror 40 (FIG. 3) for
assisting a driver in viewing a region reflected upon the mirror
40. The housing 36 may include a tilt actuator (not shown) therein
for providing an occupant of the vehicle 28 with an adjustable view
while utilizing the mirror 40.
[0040] The mirror assembly 34 further includes a lamp assembly 42
oriented upon the housing 36 for collectively illuminating an area
adjacent to the vehicle exterior 32. Exemplary illumination zones
44, 46, 48 provided by the lamp assembly 42 are depicted in FIG. 2.
The illumination zones 44, 46, 48 may be utilized in absence of
ambient light, which may be beneficial for performing work or
maintenance outside the vehicle 28. For example, the first
illumination zone 44 may be forward of the side mirror assembly 34,
the second illumination zone 46 may be rearward of the side mirror
assembly 34, and the third illumination zone 48 may illuminate a
ground surface proximate the vehicle 28.
[0041] The housing 36 may be operably coupled with a pivot assembly
50 that is used to connect the housing 36 to a mirror bracket 52.
The bracket 52 is secured to the vehicle 28 and the pivot assembly
50 is used to connect the housing 36 securely to the vehicle 28.
While the mirror assembly 34 is illustrated on a driver's side
portion of the vehicle 28, it will be understood that the mirror
assembly 34 described herein may be disposed on either lateral side
portion, or any other portion, of the vehicle 28 without departing
from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0042] With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 36 may
be operable between a deployed, or first, position and a folded, or
second, position. In some examples, the pivot assembly 50 is
electronically controlled and includes a pivot drive assembly 54
adapted for supporting a drive motor 56 and a transmission assembly
58. The drive motor 56 may be electrically powered by a power
source 60 (FIG. 4), and controlled by a suitable switching device,
which may incorporate digital microprocessor-based logic devices.
The transmission assembly 58 is adapted to convert the rotation of
the drive motor shaft (not shown) to control the rotation of the
housing 36 about an axis of rotation. The drive motor 56 may alter
the position of the mirror assembly 34 automatically based on a
predefined vehicle event, such as a vehicle exterior sensor 62
and/or a camera 64 detecting that an object 92 (FIG. 5) may contact
the side mirror assembly 34 in the deployed position, an engine of
the vehicle 28 being disposed in the ON/OFF state and/or a welcome
or farewell sequence, meaning that rotation of the mirror assembly
34 may occur as an occupant of the vehicle 28 leaves and/or
approaches the vehicle 28 employing the mirror assembly 34.
Additionally, and/or alternatively, the mirror assembly 34 may be
rotated based on any other predefined event without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally still, the mirror
assembly 34 may be rotated based on actuation of a switch by an
occupant of the vehicle 28. The switch may be disposed within the
vehicle 28 and/or on a key fob 66 (FIG. 4) of the vehicle 28.
Additionally still, the mirror assembly 34 may be operably coupled
with any other system and/or sensor within the vehicle 28 such that
the mirror assembly 34 may be rotated based on actuation of that
system or sensor.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, the vehicle 28 includes the power
source 60, such as a battery, for powering the lamp assembly 42. A
switch 68 may be mounted on a cockpit module 70 of the vehicle 28.
A controller 72 such as a body control unit is mounted to the
vehicle 28 in communication with the battery 60, the switch 68, and
the lamp assembly 42 for illuminating one or more light sources 74
when the switch 68 is manually actuated. Therefore, the
illumination zones 44, 46, 48 may be manually and independently
controlled. Additionally, and/or alternative, the controller 72 may
be configured to activate various light sources 74 based on
predefined events, such as during travel of the vehicle 28 in a
specific direction (e.g., reverse) and/or when the vehicle 28 is
operated below a predefined speed.
[0044] The vehicle 28 may also include a receiver 76 in
communication with the controller 72.
[0045] The controller 72 may be configured to power and
consequently illuminate the plurality of light sources 74 upon
receipt of input indicative of a signal transmitted from a key fob
66 associated with the vehicle 28. Therefore, the operation of the
lamp assemblies 42 may be controlled from the key fob 66 of the
user.
[0046] The lamp assembly 42 may also include signal indicators,
such as amber light sources 74 to visually communicate to other
drivers an intention to turn. Accordingly, a stalk switch 68 may be
provided on a steering column 80 of the vehicle 28. The stalk
switch 68 is in communication with the controller 72 such that
actuation of the stalk switch 68 results in intermittent
illumination of the signal indicators.
[0047] With further reference to FIG. 4, in some examples, the
vehicle 28 includes a light sensor 82 that may be utilized for
varying the intensity of emitted light 24 emanated from the lamp
assembly 42. The light sensor 82 detects ambient lighting
conditions, such as whether the vehicle 28 is in day-like
conditions (i.e., higher light level conditions) and/or whether the
vehicle 28 is in night-like conditions (i.e., lower light level
conditions). The light sensor 82 can be of any suitable type and
can detect the day-like and night-like conditions in any suitable
fashion. According to some examples, the colors of light and/or
intensities of the emitted light 24 from the lamp assembly 42 may
be varied based on the detected conditions. The light sensor 82 may
be integrated into the vehicle 28 or into the mirror assembly 34.
Moreover, the intensity of emitted light 24 may additionally, or
alternatively, be varied with the initiation of the vehicle's
headlights or any other vehicle system.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, the vehicle 28 may include both
exterior sensors 62 and/or one or more cameras 64, or any other
vision-based device. The camera 64 includes an image sensor having
an area type image sensor, such as a CCD or a CMOS image sensor and
image-capturing optics (not shown), and captures an image of an
imaging field of view 84 defined by the image-capturing optics. In
some instances, a first camera 64 may be disposed on a front
portion 86 of the vehicle and a second camera 64 may be located
proximate an upper region of the vehicle tailgate 90 at a rear
portion 88 of the vehicle 28. The camera 64 proximate the front
portion 86 of the vehicle 28 is oriented to capture one or more
images forwardly of the vehicle 28 while the camera 64 proximate
the rear portion 88 of the vehicle 28 is oriented to capture one or
more images rearwardly of the vehicle 28. The images may be
analyzed to determine if the vehicle 28 is approaching an object 92
and/or person. Likewise, the one or more exterior sensors 62 may
generate a detection field 90. The exterior sensor 62 may be
configured as an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a LIDAR sensor,
or any other type of sensor known in the art.
[0049] The one or more cameras 64 and/or one or more exterior
sensors 62 may be utilized for determining the presence of an
object 92 and/or person. If an object 92 and/or person is detected,
and the vehicle 28 determines that the object 92 may contact the
side mirror assembly 34, or the vehicle 28, the side mirror
assembly 34 on the same side of the vehicle 28 as the object 92
and/or person may automatically move to the folded position. In
some cases, the automatic folding of the mirror may occur when the
vehicle 28 is moving below a predefined speed and the object 92
and/or person is determined to possibly contact the side mirror
assembly 34. If the predetermined speed is exceeded, the side
mirror assembly 34 may stay in a deployed position. Moreover, the
lamp assembly 42 may provide illumination along the side portions
of the vehicle 28 while in the folded and deployed positions. In
some instances, the lamp assembly 42 provides illumination along
the vehicle 28 when a transmission of the vehicle 28 is placed in
reverse and/or the vehicle 28 is moving below a predefined speed.
The lamp assembly 42 may illuminate the various lamp assemblies
therein in night-like conditions.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the lamp assembly 42, according
to some examples, includes a rear housing 94 for being fastened to
the mirror housing 36. The rear housing 94 supports a plurality of
printed circuit boards (PCBs) 96 each oriented along the rear
housing 94 and having control circuitry including drive circuitry
for controlling activation and deactivation of the plurality of
light sources 74. The PCBs 96 may be any type of circuit board
including, but not limited to, any flexible PCB and/or rigid PCB.
Alternatively, a single PCB 96 may be disposed within the lamp
assembly 42 that supports each light source 74. Each PCB 96 may
include one or more light sources 74, which may be configured as a
spotlight, a signal indicator, or any other desired type of light.
A power terminal 98 is provided on the plurality of PCBs 96 for
passing through a seal 100 for electrical connection with a
corresponding receptacle within the mirror assembly 34.
[0051] With respect to the examples described herein, the light
sources 74 may each be configured to emit visible and/or
non-visible light, such as blue light, UV light, infrared, and/or
violet light and may include any form of light source. For example,
the light sources 74 may be fluorescent lights, light emitting
diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), laser
diodes, quantum dot LEDs (QD-LEDs), solid-state lights, a hybrid of
these or any other similar device, or any other form of light
source. Further, various types of LEDs are suitable for use as the
light source 74 including, but not limited to, top-emitting LEDs,
side-emitting LEDs, and others. Moreover, according to various
examples, multicolored light sources, such as Red, Green, and Blue
(RGB) LEDs that employ red, green, and blue LED packaging may be
used to generate various desired colors of light output from a
single light source, according to known light color mixing
techniques.
[0052] Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, as the lamp assembly 42 is
being used, the light sources 74, while producing emitted light 24
also emit heat. As heat is emitted from the light sources 74, a
heatsink 102 captures at least a portion of this heat. The captured
heat is temporarily retained within elongated members 104 of the
heatsink 102. The captured heat within the heatsink 102 migrates to
areas that have a lower temperature than the heatsink 102. As such,
the heatsink 102, after absorbing heat from the light sources 74,
exchanges or transfers heat to cooler regions in and around the
side mirror assembly 34. In some instances, the heat transferred
from the elongated members 104 can serve to warm the side view
mirror above the freezing point of water to melt snow and ice that
may collect thereon. Also, the heat transferred to the side view
mirror can serve to raise the temperature of the side view mirror
above the dew point of the surrounding air, such that condensation
that may collect on the side view mirror can dissipate, evaporate,
or otherwise be removed from the surface of the side view mirror as
a result of the heat from the elongated members 104 of the heatsink
102. In some examples, the rear housing 94 may define a void 108
through which the heatsink 102 may extend. Accordingly, the
heatsink 102 may dissipate heat into an interior of the housing 36
to increase the efficiency of the heatsink 102.
[0053] In the various examples, the elongated members 104 of the
heatsink 102 can extend generally perpendicular from a back portion
106 of the heatsink 102. In such an example, the elongated members
104 can be substantially linear, or can include various angled
and/or curved portions. It is contemplated that, in various
instances, the elongated members 104 can extend in an angled
configuration or a curved configuration, or both, relative to the
back portion 106 of the heatsink 102. It is further contemplated
that each elongated member 104 can have configurations that can
include, but are not limited to, linear, curved, angled, and
trapezoidal, among other configurations. Additionally, various
cross members can be included that extend across the elongated
members 104 to add structure to the elongated members 104 and also
add surface area through which heat can be transferred from the
lamp assembly 42. It is also contemplated that the elongated
members 104 may not have a consistent length. Such configurations
may include a triangular profile, a trapezoidal profile, a curved
profile, an irregular profile, among other similarly shaped
profiles. Various examples of the heatsink 102 may also include
more than one row of elongated members 104, such as an inner layer
and outer layer of elongated members 104.
[0054] In the various examples, the heatsink 102 can be made of
various materials that have a high thermal conductivity. Such
materials can include, but are not limited to, aluminum, aluminum
alloys, copper, composite materials that incorporate materials
having a high thermal conductivity, combinations thereof, and other
materials that are at least partially thermally conductive.
[0055] With further reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of
reflectors 110 is provided within the lamp assembly 42. The
reflectors 110 may be formed integrally as depicted and each
includes an aperture 112 aligned with the corresponding light
sources 74. The reflectors 110 are utilized for reflecting and
redirecting emitted light 24 from the light sources 74 for focusing
the illumination to one or more illumination zones 44, 46, 48. The
reflectors 110 and corresponding light sources 74 are oriented to
convey light forward, laterally outward, downward, and/or rearward
of the mirror assembly 34 with respect to the vehicle 28 for
illuminating the expanded illumination zones 44, 46, 48 and/or for
conveying a turn signal to viewers in various directions with
respect to the vehicle 28. In some examples, an outboard light
source may be rearward facing and can be controlled and operated
separately for providing clearance illumination rearward of the
mirror assembly 34.
[0056] A translucent lens cover 114 and a gasket 116 are also
provided in the lamp assembly 42 for isolating various components
of the lamp assembly 42 from external contaminants and weather. The
lens cover 114 may include optics thereon. For example, the lens
cover 114 may be configured with a Fresnel lens, a pillow optic,
and/or any other type of lens or optic that is configured to
disperse, concentrate, and/or otherwise direct light emitted from
the lamp assembly 42 there-through in any desired manner. The
optics may assist in directing emitted light 24 in a desired
direction, such as rearward of the mirror assembly 34.
[0057] Referring still to FIGS. 6 and 7, in some examples, a lens
146 may be disposed within a portion of the rear housing 94.
Moreover, one or more reflectors 110 may define an aperture 144
therein that allow emitted light 24 to exit therethrough. The
emitted light 24 may then be directed through the lens 146 and
outward from the mirror assembly 34. In some instances, the lens
146 may be directed rearwardly, when the mirror assembly 34 is in a
deployed position, such that the emitted light 24 directed through
the lens 146 emanates in a rearward direction along the vehicle
28.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, when the side mirror assembly 34 is in
the deployed position, the outboard light source may be rearward
facing, and/or optics may direct emitted light 24 rearward, to
create a rearwardly directed illumination zone 46. It will be
appreciated, however, that the lamp assembly 42 may use any
structure for directing emitted light 24 rearward. For example, the
side mirror assembly 34 may include a light output window through
which the rearwardly emitted light 24 may be directed.
[0059] In some examples, the lamp assembly 42 may produce rearward
directed emitted light 24 when the vehicle transmission is placed
in reverse. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the lamp assembly
42 direct emitted light 24 rearward when the vehicle 28 is moving
in a forward direction at or below a predefined speed. Moreover,
the lamp assembly 42 may direct emitted light 24 rearward when the
exterior sensors 62 and/or cameras 64 detect an object 92 within a
predefined distance of the vehicle 28. The object 92 may be
rearwardly and/or adjacent to the vehicle 28 and potentially
illuminated by the lamp assembly 42.
[0060] In addition to the rearwardly directed illumination zone 46,
the lamp assembly 42 may also direct emitted light 24 towards the
ground surface proximate the vehicle 28 to form a puddle lamp. The
puddle lamp may be illuminated in response to receipt of a
lock/unlock signal 118 (FIG. 12) from the key fob 66, the vehicle
28 initiating movement below a predefined speed, and/or for any
other desired reason. The lamp assembly 42 may additionally and/or
alternatively create a forwardly and/or outwardly extending
illumination zone 44.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 9, the lamp assembly 42 may be configured
to emit light forwardly and/or rearwardly while the side mirror
assembly 34 is in the folded position. In some examples, optics may
be utilized for splitting emitted light 24 from a single light
source 74 in two opposing directions. In other examples, a first
light source 74 and the reflector 110 direct emitted light 24 in a
first direction and a second light source 74 and the reflector 110
direct emitted light 24 in an opposing direction. Accordingly, the
lamp assembly 42 may provide forwardly and/or rearwardly directed
illumination zones 44, 46, 48 while the side mirror assembly 34 is
in the folded and/or deployed position. Moreover, as provided
herein, the mirror may automatically move from the deployed
position to the folded position when an object 92 is detected to be
in close proximity to the vehicle 28. As provided herein, the
automatic folding of the mirror may occur when the vehicle 28 is
moving below a predefined speed and/or an object 92 (FIG. 5) is
detected in close proximity to the vehicle 28.
[0062] The lamp assembly 42 may also illuminate the ground surface
proximate the vehicle 28 while the side mirror assembly 34 is
disposed in the folded position. Accordingly, the lamp assembly 42
may illuminate a portion of the vehicle 28 that is proximate the
side mirror assembly 34 as well as forwardly and/or rearwardly of
the side mirror assembly 34, possibly simultaneously.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in some instances, the vehicle
28 may include the luminescent structure 10 on a body feature 120
thereof, such as a badge 122 and/or a decal 124. The lamp assembly
42 may be configured to direct emitted light 24 at the luminescent
structure 10. In some instances, the luminescent structure 10 may
be integrated within a paint and/or other decorative material that
is disposed on the body feature 120. In operation, the luminescent
structure 10 may exhibit a constant unicolor or multicolor
illumination in response to receiving emitted light 24 from one or
more of the light sources 74.
[0064] As described herein, the color of the converted light 26 may
be dependent on the particular luminescent material 18 (FIG. 1)
utilized in the luminescent structure 10. Additionally, a
conversion capacity of the luminescent structure 10 may be
significantly dependent on a concentration of the luminescent
materials 18 utilized in the luminescent structure 10. By adjusting
the range of intensities that may be emitted from the one or more
light sources 74, the concentration and proportions of the
luminescent materials 18 in the luminescent structure 10 and the
types of luminescent materials 18 utilized in the luminescent
structure 10 discussed herein may be operable to generate a range
of color hues of outputted light by blending the emitted light 24
with the converted light 26. It is also contemplated that the
intensity of each one or more light sources 74 may be varied
simultaneously, or independently, from any number of other light
sources 74.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 12, the lamp assembly 42 is operably
coupled to the controller 72 receiving various inputs and
controlling the lamp assembly 42 by applying signals to the light
sources 74 within the lamp assembly 42. The controller 72 may
include a microprocessor 126 and memory 128 as illustrated,
according to some examples. It should be appreciated that the
controller 72 may include control circuitry such as analog and/or
digital control circuitry. Logic 130 is stored within memory 128
and executed by the microprocessor 126 for processing the various
inputs and controlling each of the plurality of the light sources
74, as described herein. The inputs to the controller 72 may
include a housing position signal 132, the key fob 66 door unlock
signal 118, a distance to user signal 134, a door unlatch signal
136, a vehicle speed signal 138, an exterior sensor signal 140, a
camera signal 142, and/or any other signal.
[0066] The controller 72 may determine whether the housing 36 is in
the deployed or folded position and activate and/or deactivate the
appropriate light sources 74 based on the position. For example,
when the housing 36 is disposed in the folded position, the
controller 72 may illuminate the forward illumination zone 44, the
rearward illumination zone 46, and/or the ground illumination zone
48. In such instances, the forward illumination zone 44 and/or
rearward illumination zone 46 may illuminate an area along a side
portion of the vehicle 28 with the side mirror assembly 34 in the
deployed and/or folded positions. The ground illumination zone 48
may form a puddle lamp adjacent the vehicle 28.
[0067] Additionally, the controller 72 receives the door
lock/unlock signal 118 and/or the distance to user signal 134,
which is a distance that the occupant is detected from the vehicle
28. The distance to the user signal may be generated by computing
distance between the vehicle 28 and the key fob 66, according to
some examples. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 72
may include one or more of wireless communication transceivers that
may be configured to interact with an electronic device. The
wireless communication transceivers may communicate with the
electronic device over a wireless signal (e.g., radio frequency).
In one non-limiting example, the wireless communication
transceivers may be a Bluetooth.TM. RN4020 module, or an RN4020
Bluetooth.TM. low energy PICtail board configured to communicate
with the electronic device using Bluetooth.TM. low energy signals.
The wireless communication transceivers may include a transmitter
and a receiver to transmit and receive wireless signals (e.g.,
Bluetooth.TM. signals) to and from the electronic device, to and
from the lamp assembly 42 and/or to and from the vehicle 28. It
will be appreciated that the wireless communication transceivers
may utilize other forms of wireless communication between the
electronic device and other wireless communication transceivers
such as Wi-Fi.TM..
[0068] With further reference to FIG. 12, the controller 72 may
receive a vehicle speed signal 138. The controller 72 may activate
one or more light sources 74 within the lamp assembly 42 when the
vehicle 28 is operated at or below a predefined speed, such as 3
miles per hour (mph). The controller 72 may additionally illuminate
one or more light sources 74 in response to receiving an exterior
sensor signal 140 and/or a camera signal 142 in which the exterior
sensor 62 and/or the camera 64 detect a person or object 92 in
close proximity to the vehicle 28. Additionally, when the exterior
sensors 62 and/or cameras 64 detect an object 92 or person
proximate the vehicle 28, the side mirror assemblies may
automatically be placed in the folded position. Moreover, the
automatic folding may occur when the vehicle 28 is moving forwardly
and/or rearwardly below the predefined speed.
[0069] A variety of advantages may be derived from the use of the
present disclosure. For example, use of the disclosed lamp assembly
provides a unique aesthetic appearance to the vehicle. Moreover,
the lamp assembly may provide lighting around the vehicle with the
side mirror assembly in a folded and a deployed position. The side
mirror assembly may be automatically moved between a deployed
position and a folded position based on a vehicle speed and/or an
object that is detected in close proximity to the vehicle. The lamp
assembly may be manufactured at low costs when compared to standard
vehicle lighting assemblies.
[0070] According to various examples, a vehicle mirror assembly is
provided herein. The vehicle includes a housing operable between a
deployed position and a folded position. A lamp assembly has a
first light source configured to direct light rearwardly of the
housing and a second light source configured to direct light
forwardly of the housing. The housing is configured to move from
the deployed position to the folded position when an object is
detected. Examples of the vehicle mirror assembly can include any
one or a combination of the following features: [0071] the object
is detected by an exterior sensor disposed on a vehicle; [0072] the
object is detected by a camera disposed on a vehicle; [0073] a
first reflector operably coupled with the first light source and a
second reflector operably coupled with the second light source;
[0074] a third light source configured to emit light towards a
ground surface proximate a vehicle; [0075] the first and second
light sources emit light forwardly and rearwardly of the housing
when the housing is in the folded position and the deployed
position; [0076] a light sensor disposed on a vehicle and
configured to detect an ambient light level, wherein the intensity
of emitted light emanated from the lamp assembly is varied based on
the detected light level; [0077] a luminescent structure disposed
on a vehicle and excitable by emitted light from the lamp assembly;
[0078] the lamp assembly includes a rear housing and a heatsink
configured to capture at least a portion of heat generated by the
first or second light source, the heatsink extending through the
housing; [0079] the heat transferred from the heatsink is
configured to warm a mirror within the housing; and/or [0080]
emitted light from the first or second light source is directed in
two opposing directions when the housing is disposed in the folded
position
[0081] Moreover, a method of indicating an operational mode of a
vehicle is provided herein.
[0082] The method includes positioning a housing that is operable
between a deployed position and a folded position on a vehicle. A
lamp assembly having a first light source configured to direct
light rearwardly of the housing and a second light source
configured to direct light forwardly of the housing is activated
when the housing is moved from deployed position to the folded
position or when an object is detected.
[0083] According to some examples, a vehicle mirror assembly is
provided herein. The vehicle mirror assembly includes a housing
operable between a deployed position and a folded position. A lamp
assembly has a light source configured to direct light forwardly
and rearwardly of the housing when the housing is in the deployed
and folded positions. Examples of the vehicle mirror assembly can
include any one or a combination of the following features: [0084]
an exterior sensor disposed on a vehicle and configured to detect
an object proximate the vehicle, wherein the housing moves from the
deployed to the folded position when the object is detected and the
vehicle is moving below a predefined speed; and/or [0085] a camera
disposed on a vehicle and configured to detect an object proximate
the vehicle, wherein the housing moves from the deployed to the
folded position when the object is detected and the vehicle is
moving below a predefined speed.
[0086] According to other examples, a lamp assembly for a vehicle
is disclosed. The lamp assembly includes a printed circuit board
(PCB) attached to a rear housing. A reflector is operably coupled
with a light source disposed on the PCB. A reflector and a lens are
each operably coupled to a light source disposed on the PCB. The
housing is moved between a first position and a second position and
the light source directs emitted light forwardly and rearwardly of
the rear housing in the first and the second positions. Examples of
the lamp assembly can include any one or a combination of the
following features: [0087] the rear housing is coupled to a housing
of a vehicle mirror assembly; [0088] the housing of the vehicle
mirror assembly moves between the first position and the second
position; [0089] a heatsink disposed within the housing of the
vehicle mirror assembly and configured to capture at least a
portion of the heat generated by the light source; and/or [0090]
the housing of the vehicle mirror assembly moves from the first
position to the second position when an object is proximate a
vehicle and the vehicle is moving below a predefined speed.
[0091] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described invention and other
components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary
examples of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a
wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
[0092] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may
be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature
unless otherwise stated.
[0093] Furthermore, any arrangement of components to achieve the
same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the
desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as
"associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to each other to
achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable
of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable" to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Some
examples of operably couplable include, but are not limited to,
physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or
wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components
and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable
components. Furthermore, it will be understood that a component
preceding the term "of the" may be disposed at any practicable
location (e.g., on, within, and/or externally disposed from the
vehicle) such that the component may function in any manner
described herein.
[0094] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the
exemplary examples is illustrative only. Although only a few
examples of the present innovations have been described in detail
in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors
or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number
of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be
varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of
the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary
examples without departing from the spirit of the present
innovations.
[0095] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed
herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as
limiting.
[0096] It is also to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and
methods without departing from the concepts of the present
invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts
are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these
claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
* * * * *